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The story of Jatayu.
Jatayu is the great bird who gave his life to try and save Sita from Ravanna. He nearly succeeded. he is son of aruna and nephew of garura .That great bird saw that Sita was being taken against her will and acted instantaneously. It is this right action that is Dharma. Jatayu sees the imbalance in justice and immediately moves to correct it. There was probably no thinking on his part. He simply responded as one does when standing on a ship at sea. As the ship sways one way we naturally move in a counter direction to maintain balance. This is why Jatayu is so important. He acted with Dharma without having to rationalize the good in his actions. Jatayu's battle with Ravana was an epic one, one in which Ravana lost several arms only to re-grow them. Ravana was essentially defeated but Jatayu's body failed him. In the end before he could strike the final blow that would have rid the world of Ravana and restored Sita to Rama his vision failed him. Being blinded he was mercilessly killed by Ravana. We remember this story because it is so potent and full of action and drama. In the end we are saddened when Jatayu dies but because of the focus of the story that is the last we hear of Jatayu. His funeral is given no great attention like some of the other fallen heroes (and villains) in the Ramayana. We think of Jatayu as brave and fearless but we are not given the opportunity to reflect on his death and his final actions. That is why I want you to gather around a little closer, I will not bite, and I will tell you of Jatayu's funeral and what others had to say about him. Let us see if you see what I see in the end.
Ahem!
Lakshmana helped Rama carry Jatayu's lifeless body to the funeral pyre. He had just finished laying down the strips of meat as a sacrifice for the birds of Dandaka. Although the moments were brief they seemed to stretch an eternity. They must have carried Jatayu's body no more than 10 feet but it seemed to go on for miles. This great bird and friend of his father had fought valiantly. Such a great beast had given his life so unhesitatingly for a noble cause. As he had told Rama, every race produces brave and noble creatures without exception. Jatayu belonged among the gods in the upper levels of heaven. A seat next to Bhrama himself. Rama seemed dazed and lost in thought. He had gone through much in the past few hours and the most recent tragedy had only been piled upon numerous others. They laid the great beast down upon his funeral pyre with the dignity he deserved. Lakshmana could not help but feel as though this powerful creature could just spring back to life. His death seemed that incredibly unjust. Rama lit the fire and soon afterwards the bird was engulfed in flames. The fire burned with no smoke and the flames seemed to spring up high into the heavens sometimes almost putting the very doorsteps to the gods in danger of being set ablaze.
"He was a great beast. One of the bravest and noblest of all I have been blessed in this life to meet." Lakshmana spoke but felt less than comfortable. As though no words were fit for the occasion.
"My life has been blessed, the last glimmer of Jatayu's life has given light to our path through the dark wilderness of Dandaka. He has done this great deed effortlessly, because he understands Dharma and it was strong within him. I hope our actions are as just and timely as his when Time shows us our chance." Rama's response was a dead monotone, but not without hope.
Lakshmana thought he noticed a shift in Rama's demeanor. He did not seem quite as lost or defeated. He too became more hopeful. Soon afterwards they departed in the direction of Lanka to fetch Sita from the hands of the devil.
Indra and Bhrama came down to earth shortly after they departed to gather up Jatayu's soul. Death was not taking him anywhere. If he wished, Jatayu would be allowed directly to heaven. However both Indra and Brahma knew their request was in vain, for Jatayu would not come to heaven. His wish was to remain on earth. Brought back as a bird. Such bravery and just behavior garnered much favor with the gods and Brahma of course granted Jatayu's wish yet again. As his soul traveled out to seek his next reincarnation Brahma and Indra were left sitting around the funeral pyre.
Indra finally spoke, "Why is it that all of earth's creatures can not act as Jatayu?"
Brahma pondered the question for a moment possibly reflecting more on Jatayu than the actual answer "The potential is there. I am not sure that it is all about the act a creature performs. But more their understanding of what action needs to be taken. Jatayu is wise. He never has to ask what is right because he lives through Dharma. He never has to hesitate because the right action comes as natural as the wind moves the leaves. Nobody asks why the leaves move, we know. He does not need to reflect on whether his action is good or just. This is like how the earth does not need to think about providing creatures with life, it just does. His greatness is not in his great actions, for if that was the case he is not so great at all."
Indra seemed almost hurt by the remark "What do you mean he is not so great?"
"I simply mean that if we judge Jatayu by the greatness of his actions we will sell him short. He did not save Sita. He tried. But in the end he failed. A foolish person would judge him solely on his efforts and accomplishments. I believe what makes him great is much more subtle."
Indra seemed content with this answer and they both remained quiet until long after the last bit of fire had died out.
